MID Cheshire parents are being warned to be careful if they are considering buying mini-motos and other vehicles for their children this Christmas.

Members of Middlewich's Community Safety Part-nership say the illegal and anti-social use of mini-motos, go-peds, buzzboards and off-road bikes is causing complaints daily across the borough.

Becky Mason, the Partnership's anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, said: 'The misuse of motorcycles and other motorised vehicles is dangerous and causes misery to local communities. These vehicles are not toys and irresponsible drivers will be stopped and if necessary their bikes crushed.'

Sales of the vehicles have rocketed. The most serious incident in Middlewich took place last July, when five-year-old youngsters - one carrying his baby brother - sped down Kitfield Avenue on quad bikes at speeds of 40mph. Residents living near Harbutts Field have reported mini-moto riders causing damage to the site of archaeological interest.

Middlewich police, part of the Partnership, back the warning but say incidents have fallen recently.

PCSO Roger Need added: 'But if parents here are looking to buy one for their children we would stress they are dangerous and before making such a purchase they should make sure there is some private land where they are allowed to ride safely.

'Find a place that is safe to use them, and make sure they are not riding recklessly on our roads.'